Iowa Hunter Safety Course

Watercraft Safety

Using watercraft to hunt from, or to get to locations where other hunters do not frequent, can be a lot of fun - reminiscent of the adventures and exploration that our forefathers experienced. Hunting for ducks and other kinds of fowl involves being near or in various bodies of water - with or without the help of watercraft. Safe hunting requires that you plan and prepare for these special conditions.

These are the most common causes of hunting-related incidents that involve watercraft:

Not following proper firearm safety and handling rules

Standing in watercraft while shooting

Not wearing an approved personal flotation device

Slipping or falling when entering or exiting watercraft

Not knowing the safety rules for safe watercraft handling

Avoid making those kinds of mistakes by observing the following rules.